Archives

Life Choices can Tip Risks and Benefits of Vitamin D

By Michael McBurney

Life is a balancing act. Regularly we find ourselves weighing circumstances. An obvious example is work-life balance. A classic nutritional example is vitamin D status. When exposed to sunlight, skin can synthesize vitamin D3. However sun exposure, especially sunburns, increases the risk skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US.

Guy Jr and colleagues report the incidence of skin cancer is increasing. Using data from the 2002-2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, they report a 44% increase in the number of adults treated for skin cancer between 2002-06 and 2007-2011. The average annual total cost for skin cancer more than doubled, from $3.6 billion to $8.1 billion. Yes, that is a B not an M. Billion. Nearly 5 million adults are treated for skin cancer annually. The average annual cost per person for melanoma and nonmelanoma treatment in 2007-2011 was $1,643 yet out-of-pocket costs were only 6.7% of the total. Beyond the emotional burden, skin cancer clearly stresses individual and healthcare budgets.

Once again, we have another example of the risks of suboptimal nutrient status. In the case of skin cancer, ase, it is our strategy to increase nutritional status (sun exposure versus dietary intake) which tips the balance.

Schwalfenberg GK. A review of the critical role of vitamin D in the functioning of the immune system and the clinical implications of vitamin D deficiency. 2010 Mol Nutr Food Res doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201000174